Welcome to SALTmodels, the in-house talent network of Studio Art Lab, a full-service creative agency in Raleigh, NC. We're passionate about empowering models and creatives through model development and exclusive collaboration on Studio Art Lab's commercial and advertising projects, delivering exceptional results in a safe and professional environment. Our models are DIRECT hires, meaning they work exclusively on our in-house creative projects, not outsourced to external companies.
Our mission is to build a vetted network of talent for Studio Art Lab's commercial and advertising projects, ensuring seamless collaboration with clients. We provide a safe, professional space for models to thrive, offering model development services like headshots, digitals, portfolio-building shoots, comp-card design, and personal branding website design/hosting/maintenance. We carefully vet all clients, including amateur photographers, to foster trust and security.
Founded in 1999, CO2 Consulting Group, Inc. began as a leader in computer technology and web-app development. Shortly after, we established Web Detailer for website design/development and Studio Art Lab, our full-service creative agency in Raleigh, NC, specializing in visual arts, graphic design, magazine layout and publishing. SALTmodels (Studio Art Lab and Talent) is the talent network of Studio Art Lab, connecting skilled professionals with our in-house commercial and advertising projects.
SALTmodels is not a traditional modeling agency. We do not hold licenses to represent or contract models for external work, nor do we send models to projects outside our in-house Studio Art Lab initiatives. We are not affiliated, directly or indirectly, with any other modeling agencies or organizations. Our focus is exclusively on developing and collaborating with our in-house talent for Studio Art Lab's creative projects in Raleigh, NC. However, we actively build relationships with reputable modeling agencies to enhance visibility for our models, many of whom have successfully signed with international agencies.
Don Butto: Born in 1969, Don is a lifelong artist and Air Force veteran who served during Desert Storm. Guided by strong Christian values and his commitment as a Freemason, Don ensures SALTmodels is a safe, ethical environment for models, drawing on his extensive experience as a photographer and former art education student.
Rita Daniels: Born in 1972, Rita has been married to Don since 1999. With modeling experience on the runway for the US Army and as a regular extra on Matlock, she brings industry insight and manages web development, finance, contracts, and operations for SALTmodels.
Laila Ali, the Studio Pup: Born in 2023, Laila, is Don's beloved service dog and the official Studio Pup! This furry team member brings joy to every shoot, and it's a SALTmodels tradition that every photo session includes a fun digital with Laila, capturing her charm alongside our talent.
Explore photography insights from our Founder and Lead Photographer, Don Butto, at RaleighPhotographer.com.